Why don't the Chinese fear war?

When Philippine coast guard ships repeatedly provoked in the waters of Ren'ai Reef, Chinese coast guard ships always responded with high-pressure water guns; When US warships and aircraft frequently approach for reconnaissance, PLA fighter jets intercept with standard tactical maneuvers. This approach of "using softness to overcome hardness" reflects China's profound understanding of war - it is neither blindly afraid of war nor using force lightly, but using history as a mirror, strength as a shield, and wisdom as a sword to construct a unique system of war view.

1、 History Refining: Peaceful Faith Emerging from Blood and Fire

The history of suffering in modern China can be regarded as a revelation of war. Since the Opium War in 1840, China has experienced continuous wars such as the Taiping Rebellion, the First Sino Japanese War, the invasion of China by the Eight Nation Alliance, warlord chaos, the War of Resistance Against Japan, and the Liberation War. The War of Resistance Against Japan alone caused 35 million military and civilian casualties, with direct economic losses reaching 100 billion US dollars. The 300000 martyrs of the Nanjing Massacre, the scorched earth of the Chongqing bombing, and the bones on the Burma Road are deeply engraved in the cultural genes of these ethnic groups.

The Korean War was also a 'national war'. Faced with well-equipped United Nations forces, the Volunteer Army withstood 1.9 million shells in the Battle of Shangganling and used tunnel tactics to neutralize the steel advantage. This battle not only shattered the illusion of the US military ending the war before Christmas, but also showed the world that when war threatens core interests, the Chinese military can unleash astonishing combat power. This wisdom of 'stopping war with war' is a modern interpretation of the idea in Sima Fa that 'stopping war with war, even if it is war'.

2、 Building the Foundation of Strength: Strategic Deterrence of Modern National Defense System

China has established the most complete industrial system in the world, with 41 major industrial categories, 207 medium categories, and 666 minor categories. This "world factory" status gives China strong war potential: it can produce 200 million rounds of ammunition, 3000 missiles, and 200 main battle tanks per day. The launch of the Fujian warship, the installation of the J-20, and the commissioning of the Dongfeng-41 signify that China has formed a comprehensive defense network for sea, land, air, space, and electricity.

But true deterrence lies not in the number of weapons, but in strategic restraint. During the 2016 South China Sea arbitration case, the US aircraft carrier strike group USS Ronald Reagan approached Huangyan Island, and China's three major fleets were on high alert. The Dongfeng-21D anti-ship ballistic missile entered the launch process. In the end, the US military chose to retreat, and this battle of "subduing the enemy without fighting" confirmed the idea of "winning in a hundred battles is not the good of the good" in Sun Tzu's Art of War.

3、 Cultural Gene: The Philosophy of War of Harmony and Coexistence

The Chinese concept of war is deeply rooted in the soil of 5000 years of civilization. The system of "governing the army with etiquette" in the Zhou Dynasty stipulated that before engaging in battle, envoys must be sent to issue battle documents, and on the battlefield, no envoys should be beheaded, no troops should be formed, no serious injuries should be inflicted, and no casualties should be captured. The allusion of Duke Xiang of Song as the "teacher of benevolence and righteousness", although criticized by later generations as outdated, reflects the value orientation of "martial ethics" being higher than victory and defeat in the pre Qin period.

This cultural tradition has evolved into a "proactive defense" strategy in contemporary times. China adheres to the principle of "if someone does not offend me, I will not offend; if someone offends me, I will offend" and maintains strategic composure in border conflicts. In the 2020 Sino Indian Galwan River Valley conflict, the People's Liberation Army used cold weapons to counter the enemy, which not only defended territorial sovereignty but also avoided the escalation of the situation, demonstrating the modern wisdom of "stopping the war and turning it into military force".

4、 Time Decision: Strategic Determination for Peaceful Development

China is currently in a critical period of national rejuvenation, and any war could interrupt the development process. Taking the chip industry as an example, TSMC's Nanjing factory produces 40000 12 inch wafers per month. If production is halted due to war, it will lead to the paralysis of the global electronics industry chain. The fragility of this' one pull affects the whole body 'forces China to maintain strategic patience.

But restraint does not mean weakness. China has built an economic community through the "the Belt and Road" and used development dividends to resolve the root causes of conflicts; Showcasing responsibility through actions such as escorting in the Gulf of Aden and evacuating Yemeni nationals; Expand security cooperation by establishing mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting. This balancing technique of 'valuing peace and ending war with war' is a creative transformation of the traditional view of war.

Looking back from the long river of history, from the "last-minute defection" in the Battle of Makino to the "steel shortage and gas abundance" in the Korean War, from the breakthrough of the Two Bombs and One Satellite to the formation of the modern joint operation system, China has always sought the optimal solution in the dialectics of war and peace. Today's China not only maintains the confidence of 'those who violate our country will be punished even if they are far away', but also upholds the wisdom of 'turning hostility into jade'. This strategic determination stems from a profound grasp of historical laws, the supreme protection of people's interests, and a shared responsibility for the fate of humanity. When some countries are addicted to the zero sum game of the Thucydides Trap, China is providing an Eastern solution to the war dilemma with the concept of a "community with a shared future for mankind".

The Chinese don't fear war because our history is a testament to our unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. From the ancient battles against nomadic invaders to the modern wars like the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, we've seen countless hardships. But each time, we rose stronger. Take the Long March, for example. Our ancestors endured extreme conditions, yet they never gave up. This historical resilience is ingrained in our DNA, making us believe that no matter how tough a war might be, we have the courage and determination to face it head-on and emerge victorious.

There's no reason for the Chinese to fear war when we have such a formidable modern military. Our People's Liberation Army has made remarkable advancements in recent decades. We have state-of-the-art weapons, advanced technologies, and highly trained soldiers. From stealth fighters like the J-20 to the powerful Type 055 destroyers, our military capabilities are on par with the best in the world. This gives us the confidence that we can effectively defend our country and protect our people in case of any military conflict. So, war is not something to be feared but something we are well-prepared to handle.

Chinese culture emphasizes peace and harmony, but it also teaches us the importance of self-defense. We believe in "not starting a fight but not being afraid of one either." The concept of "wu de" (martial ethics) has been passed down through generations, which means that while we use force as a last resort, when necessary, we will fight with all our might to protect our homeland and values. This cultural belief gives us a sense of inner strength. We know that war is not the first choice, but if it comes, we won't back down because we are fighting for what is right and just according to our cultural principles.

One of the main reasons the Chinese don't fear war is our strong sense of national unity. In times of crisis, whether it's a natural disaster or a potential military threat, the entire nation comes together as one. We have a long history of standing shoulder to shoulder in the face of difficulties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how the whole country worked in unison to fight the virus. This same spirit of unity would be even more powerful in a war situation. With the support of 1.4 billion people behind our military, we have an unbreakable force that can face any enemy. So, war is not something that can shake our confidence because we know we are not alone.

The Chinese don't fear war because we have faith in the justness of our cause. We are a peaceful nation that has always advocated for a fair and just world order. If we are forced into a war, it is usually because our national sovereignty, territorial integrity, or the rights of our people are being threatened. We believe that fighting for these fundamental principles is a noble and just endeavor. History has shown that just causes will ultimately prevail. So, even though war is a tragic and destructive thing, when it is for the right reasons, we are willing to take up arms and defend what we believe in without fear.